Boost Mobile Starlink service: Fast facts
- Boost Mobile's parent company—EchoStar—has agreed to sell $17 billion of spectrum licenses to SpaceX.
- As part of the deal, SpaceX will partner with Boost Mobile to offer Boost's customers access to Starlink's next-generation Direct-to-Cell service.
- Boost Mobile will join T-Mobile as one of the only carriers offering customers wide-spread satellite phone coverage.
- Since coverage is tied to Starlink's next-generation satellites, it will likely be late 2026 or 2027 before customers will gain access to satellite coverage through Boost Mobile.
On September 8, 2025, EchoStar announced that it had reached an agreement with SpaceX to sell the company's AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses for $17 billion in cash and stock. This deal marked a major increase in SpaceX's project of developing its wireless phone connectivity, and was a continuation of EchoStar selling off spectrum licenses in the midst of financial and regulatory difficulties.
As part of the deal, SpaceX and EchoStar have entered a partnership to allow Boost Mobile (EchoStar's wireless carrier) to access Starlink's next generation of Direct-to-Cell satellites. If approved, Boost Mobile's customers will join T-Mobile in having access to widespread satellite cell service in areas where traditional towers have no coverage.
This deal must still pass through regulatory approval and it will be some time before Boost Mobile customers can access the Starlink network. SpaceX plans to begin launching its next-generation satellites in the first half of 2026.
Why is Boost Mobile getting Starlink coverage?
Boost Mobile customers are getting access to Starlink's coverage because of a deal EchoStar made with SpaceX.
EchoStar is a telecom conglomerate made up of several subsidiaries that have faced financial issues over the past several years, including Boost Mobile, Dish Network, and HughesNet. Despite the recent challenges, Boost Mobile has had a goal of building out a native wireless network to compete against AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. However, EchoStar's financial situation has prevented Boost from deploying its spectrum on schedule, getting the company in trouble with the FCC.
In the wake of these challenges, EchoStar has pivoted strategies and begun selling its spectrum licenses. In August of 2025, it sold a chunk of licenses to AT&T for $23 billion, and now has sold more to SpaceX for $17 billion. As part of these deals, Boost Mobile received expanded access to each company's network coverage for its own customers.
For the deal with SpaceX, Boost Mobile's customers will receive access to Starlink's Direct-to-Cell network when the third-generation satellites are launched next year.
When will Boost Mobile get Starlink coverage?
Boost Mobile's customers will likely get access to Starlink coverage in late 2026 or 2027.
According to a recent Starlink network update, the company plans to begin launching its third-generation satellites in mid-2026. If Boost only has access to these satellites, it will take many months of launches before enough are available to provide consistent service. However, if Starlink gives Boost access to its current constellation, the service could begin much sooner.
Should I switch to Boost Mobile?
If you're wanting satellite connectivity, you shouldn't switch to Boost Mobile yet. The service is likely many months away. That said, if you simply want a cheaper phone plan, Boost is an excellent option with an unlimited plan starting at $25/month. You should also keep in mind that Boost's current customers will likely receive the first access to its satellite service. You can also buy a $10/month T-Satellite add-on from T-Mobile even if you're a Boost customer, which is cheaper than getting the feature with one of T-Mobile's postpaid plans.
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Boost Mobile
Unlimited Plan
$10.00/mo
with AutoPay
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If you need consistent satellite service right now, your most reliable option is still to get a plan from T-Mobile. While expensive, the Experience Beyond plan includes T-Satellite coverage for free.
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T-Mobile
Experience Beyond
$100.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
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Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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